Max Janezic

I have a great love of the outdoors which stems from having had a life split between living in the city and on Great Barrier Island.

Fishing and hunting are my soul food. Which is great as I work with many keen fishers and hunters.

I’ve always enjoyed being creative. Making models as a child, bone carving through my teenage years and starting a joinery apprenticeship at 16.

Working as a set builder and props maker has been the perfect outlet for my creative side.

Having a young family has meant most of my work is Auckland based which has worked out fine as the industry here has kept me busy enough over the last 12 years. There has also been plenty of opportunity here to meet crew from all over the country which helps keep things interesting.

What attracted you to work in the film industry, and is it working out the way you expected?

While living in Dublin and working in a joinery workshop building bars... because they needed more bars in Dublin, I was asked to make a few small props for a local production. I enjoyed the change in direction and when I finally returned home to NZ a friend of mine working as a construction manager on a film asked me to work for him.

I enjoyed working on the film and have been able to remain employed in the film industry pretty much ever since. Has it turned out as I expected?... I guess the job has evolved somewhat and I have been fortunate enough to be involved in a large variety of builds, from the swords and sandals to the science fiction to the action block buster.

I am happy with the direction the job has taken me and there haven’t been too many boring moments.

What were you doing before film work and are you still working outside of film, or is this your only business now?

Before film work I worked as a qualified joiner and also worked in the CAD machining industry. Occasionally I have moved away from film for a few months here and there to do a bar or cinema fit out and still enjoy doing so if the design is suitably creative and not too run of the mill.

How did you hear about the Guild, and what made you decide to join?

Many of my colleagues are Guild members and have spoken of how helpful the Guild had been, especially when it comes to contractual advice. I have often thought of joining and now as I am taking on roles with more responsibilities I thought it was about time I did.

Do you think film work will be sustainable? What would you like to see change to make the film industry more secure?

I think there is a strong future for film in NZ. We have a vast collective of experienced and passionate film makers and film crew and are recognised internationally for the quality of our work. There is also more work going into the infrastructure in Auckland to enable us to produce more films. The facility in Kumeu being a welcome addition to the growing number of filming locations.

What do you expect of the Guild? And what would you like the Guild to do more of/better?

I think my expectations of the Guild will be much the same as anyone else. To be able to provide advice when needed.

Thanks Max, for these well-constructed answers...